Date of Award
8-1-2019
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (MMSc)
First Advisor
David A. Fiellin, MD
Abstract
Opioid use disorder results in increasing mortality every year and is a growing concern in the United States. Buprenorphine is a safe and effective evidence-based medication to treat opioid use disorder. However, despite this evidence, there are a disproportionately low number of providers with the requisite Drug Enforcement Agency registration to prescribe buprenorphine, resulting in a significant barrier to access. In 2016, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act extended buprenorphine prescription privileges to physician assistants and nurse practitioners; however, these efforts have been restricted by state regulations. We hypothesize that access to buprenorphine is improved in areas where PA/NPs have full scope of practice in buprenorphine prescription. By evaluating the impact of the expansion of prescription authority to PA/NPs, we can better understand the impact of restricting such authority and advance efforts to increase the access to buprenorphine and thereby reduce opioid use disorder associated morbidity and mortality.
Recommended Citation
Kim, Yeon Sun, "The Role of Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners in Increasing Access to Buprenorphine" (2019). Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Theses. 60.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ysmpa_theses/60
